| The Elegant Spreadwing (Lestes inaequalis) is an eastern species whose range barely enters far east Texas. It is larger than the Swamp Spreadwing (Lestes vigilax) with which it is sometimes found, but has more yellow on the underparts and a thinner brown shoulder stripe. It also appears to be more extensively green on the back than Swamp Spreadwing. The key feature, however, is that the paraprocts (lower male appendages) extend farther outward than do the cerci (upper appendages). This may be seen in the field with close focus binoculars or in the hand. The male Elegant Spreadwing in the 2 shots shown here was in the Angelina National Forest, Jasper Co., Texas, in June, 2009. These shots were taken with a Canon EOS 1D Mark III and EF 300mm F/4 l IS lens and 2X extender and 580 flash. |
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| The next 4 shots of Elegant Spreadwing were taken near Freyburg, Oxford Co., Maine, in June, 2010, with a Canon EOS 1D Mark IV and an EF 300mm F/4 L IS lens and 2X extender and 580 flash. |
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| The next four shots of Elegant Spreadwing were taken at Red Slough WIldlife Management Area, McCurtain Co., Oklahoma, in May, 2011. These images were taken with a Canon EOS 1D Mark IV and a Sigma 50-500mm lens and Canon 580 flash. The first three shots show females. |
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| The young male Elegant Spreadwing on the right has its wings closed. |
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| The female Elegant Spreadwing in the next two shots was along Plum Creek near Sayner, Vilas Co., Wisconsin, in July, 2011. These shots were taken with a Canon EOS 1D Mark IV and a Sigma 50-500mm lens and Canon 580 flash. |
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